|
1680. Jan. 5.
Nevis. |
1252. Governor Sir William Stapleton to Lords of Trade and
Plantations. I enclose the Acts of the Island of Antigua. I understand that the map of the Island is miscarried; it was sent by one
Wilkinson, Master of the Golden Lion, who ran away in the Downs
having defrauded the Royal African Company of their right in his
trust. I hope by this time it has reached you from him. I also
enclose some particulars of the National Commissioners upon St.
Christopher's importing particular grievances (see No. 1312). The
French general made restitution of the ship demanded in my 8th
article, so that may be obliterated. I beg for the King's orders as
to what I am to do in respect of a French man-of-war which daringly
or in gasconnade comes within range of our guns, and will not
strike to the King's flag on our forts, or rather platforms, for they
do not deserve that denomination. The French have orders to chase
or sink all strange vessels that approach their Islands, as if they
must not even be looked upon; so I am resolved to fire at them
until I am otherwise ordered. They aim at nothing less than the
capture of all British possession in these seas. Holograph. Signed,
Wm. Stapleton. Inscribed, Received 3 March. Read 8 March.
1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 1, and Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXVI., pp. 414–416.] |
Jan. 6.
Newport. |
1253. Governor Cranston, in the name of the General Assembly of
Rhode Island, to the King. Prays that the King will not receive
any information against them till they have opportunity to answer
in their defence. Would have represented the disturbances and
interruptions they have received from Connecticut in humble
addresses, but are very much incapacitated to effect the same, by
reason of the great ruins received by the late war, whereby they
have been constrained to sit under the burthen of many annoyances
for want of ability to present their grievances to the King. Had
often offered to represent the matter of their difference with
Connecticut, but they would not condescend thereunto; but now
having received intimation from them of their intention to send an
agent, but no account of the time when they would send, pray that
they may have time and opportunity to make their reply. Postscript.—According to the King's letter of 9th July 1679 concerning
verdicts of jury and judgments of an especial Court of Commissioners
in favour of William Harris and petitioners, held at Providence on
3rd October 1677, against John Towers of Hingham, Mr. Gregory
Dexter, Captain Arthur Fenner and the town of Providence, John
Harrod, Roger Burlingham, Thomas Relph and Edmund Calverly,
present their proceedings, which they would have sent in the ship
that William Harris lately went for England in, but William
Harris was so secret and private in his voyage that he never came
to them to know what they had done. Endorsed, "Recd. from
the E. of Sunderland, 30 June 1680." 1 p. With seal. [Col.
Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 2, and Col. Entry Bk., No. LXI., p. 73.] |
Jan.9.
Whitehall. |
1254. Order of the King in Council. After reading of Sir William
Stapleton's letter of 6th October 1679 (ante, No. 1137) respecting
the seizure of the ship William and Edward, Ordered, that
Mr. Secretary Coventry represent the matter to the French envoy
in England and direct the English envoy at the Court of France
to demand speedy reparation for the same; also that Sir William
Stapleton be ordered to use no means for recovery of the said ship till
further order. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 404-406.] |
Jan.9.
Surinamburgh. |
1255. Heinsius, Dutch Governor of Surinam, to Governor Sir
William Stapleton. Respecting the English families left therein.
Has received Stapleton's letter by the Deptford ketch, asking that
the British subjects may be allowed to depart with goods and
families, but having received no instructions from the States cannot
allow more to go than Captain James [Aire] can carry in the Deptford. Signed. 1½ pp. Dutch. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 3.] |
| Jan 12. |
1256.Letter of the King to New Plymouth with a grant of
Mounthope and promise of a new Charter, embodying the report of
the Committee of 4th December 1679. Signed, H. Coventry.
3 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LX., p. 315.] |
Jan. 12.
St. Mary Axe. |
1257. Alderman John Jeffreys to Madam Susan Jeffreys. Is
ready to pay the money deposited by Colonel Bacon in his hands,
but cannot part with it until His Majesty declare his pleasure
whether it belongs to Lady Berkley, or to herself. If thought
convenient will wait upon the Lords herein. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIV., No. 4.] |
Jan. 12.
Plantations General. |
1258. An account of money paid out of the Exchequer for His
Majesty's use in America,— |
|
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
To the Duke of York for New York |
1,000 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Sir Jonathan Atkins, Barbadoes |
800 |
0 |
0 |
|
To Sir William Stapleton, Leeward Islands |
700 |
0 |
0 |
|
For two extra companies, Leeward Islands |
2,778 |
10 |
8 |
|
for the officers and companies. Also 2,500l. has been paid for
Colonel Herbert Jeffrey's regiment in Virginia, and other sums for
Virginia, and for the arrears of Sir Tobias Bridge's regiment.
Signed, R. O. Howard. Summary in the margin in the handwriting of William Blathwayt. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV.,
No. 5.] |
Jan. 13.
Whitehall. |
1259. Journal of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Report
prepared for prosecuting the Bermuda Company by a Scire Facias
or Quo Warranto, upon their refusal to submit their differences to
the decision of the Committee, read and approved. |
|
Mrs. Jeffreys informed the Committee that having delivered the
Order in Council of 12th December to Mr. Alderman Jeffreys, he
had refused to take security of her for 300l. to be paid by him for
salary due to her husband. Ordered, that she bring good security
to the Council Board to answer Lady Berkeley's suit, whereupon
Alderman Jeffreys will be ordered to pay her the money without
taking security. Memorandum that this was done on the 16th
instant. |
|
Sir Francis Chaplin, Sir Charles Modyford, and other merchants
and planters of Jamaica, attend according to summons, and being
questioned, reply that the Island is full of fears, by reason both of
a French fleet and of the change in the Government. Thereupon
their Lordships explain the grounds for His Majesty's late orders as
given in Report of 28th May last (ante, No. 1009). The merchants
reply only that formerly no laws passed without the Governor's
consent, and that they hope distinction will be made between
Jamaica and Ireland; whatever hardships are put on them by
the Governor they dare not complain, lest they should be ruined as
many have been. The late vote concerning the revenue being read
to them, the merchants say they cannot answer for the actions of
other men. Being informed that by the King's last orders they
were to be governed by the laws of England, they say that they
believe the people will be satisfied with them if they cannot obtain
their old form of Government. They then withdrew, and their
Lordships agreed on their Report as to instructions to be given to
Lord Carlisle (see next abstract). |
|
Letter from Sir Jonathan Atkins of 16th October last in answer
to their Lordships' of 15th July read, which their Lordships do not
esteem satisfactory, and order a letter to be prepared to him
signifying that their Lordships expect a better compliance with
their desires, or that else they shall be obliged to appoint some other
person to supply his place. He is likewise to be informed of the
new rules for correspondence of Governors, Council, Secretaries, and
Clerks of Assembly, and for the presence of ministers at Vestry
meetings. The like instructions were sent to the other plantations.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., pp. 114–118.] |
Jan. 13.
Council Chamber. |
1260. Report of Lords of Trade and Plantations to the King in
Council. We have received several letters from Lord Carlisle,
dated September last, which show the Island to be in a very
unsettled condition. But as the Assembly was prorogued till
28th October, at which time it was to consider your Majesty's
orders of 28th May, we forbear to offer further advice till we hear
news of its proceedings. For the present, therefore, we recommend
only that Lord Carlisle be directed, through Sir Francis Watson
(who is suddenly returning to Jamaica), to pass no law whatever
for public revenue (except in case of rebellion or invasion only)
otherwise than by the Act transmitted by your Majesty under the
Great Seal, and in all other matters to obey the orders of 28th May.
Signed, Anglesey, J. Bridgwater, Worcester, Henry Coventry,
Fauconberg. "Read in Council 14 Jan., 1679–80." |
|
Order in Council that Mr. Secretary Coventry do write to Lord
Carlisle pursuant to this report. 14th January. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIV., No. 6, and Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., pp. 342, 343.] |
| Jan. 14. |
1261. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor and Council
of Jamaica. The growing importance of the Colonies requires that
we, who are entrusted by the King with the care of the Plantations,
should have frequent accounts by many hands of all that happens
thereon. The King's commands therefore are, that you furnish us
quarterly with a particular account and journal of all matters of
importance, and especially of proposals and debates in Council,
and of affairs concerning trade, such journal to be signed by the
Governor and all the Councillors jointly, and a duplicate thereof
to be sent by the next succeeding conveyance. You will take care,
for the due execution of this order, that this letter be registered in
the Council Book of your Government. Signed, Anglesey, Bath,
Bridgewater, H. Coventry, T. Chicheley, Essex, L. Hyde, H. London,
Sunderland, Winchester, Worcester. 2 pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
XXIX., pp. 353–355.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like letter to Governor and Council of Barbadoes. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. VI., pp. 300–302.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like to the Deputy Governor and Council of each of the
Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., pp. 406, 407.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like to Governor and Council of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., p. 400.] |
Jan. 14.
Council Chamber. |
1262. Lords of Trade and Plantations to the Secretary of
Jamaica. Ordering him to furnish copies of abstracts of all
important papers that come before him, and to enter this letter
in the books of his office. Signed, Anglesey, J. Bridgewater,
Hen. Capel, Cavendish, H. Coventry, Fauconberg, Finch, L. Hyde,
H. London, H. Powle, Worcester. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol.
XXIX., p. 355.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like letter to the Secretary of Barbadoes. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. VI., p. 303.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like to the Secretary of the Leeward Islands. [Col. Entry
Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 408.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like to Secretary of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX.,
p. 400.] |
| Jan. 14. |
1263. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Clerk of Assembly of
Jamaica. Ordering him to furnish copies of the Journals and
Proceedings of the Assembly once a quarter, and enter this letter
on the books of the Assembly. Signed as the preceding, with
the addition of Lord Bath's signature. 1 p. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XXIX., p. 356.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like letter to the Clerk of Assembly of Barbadoes. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. VI., p. 304.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like to the Clerks of Assembly in the Leeward Islands. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. XLVI., p. 409.] |
| Jan. 14. |
The like to Clerk of Assembly of Virginia. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. LXXX., p. 400.] |
Jan.14.
Whitehall. Plantations General. |
1264. Order of the King in Council. On a motion made this
day by the Lord Bishop of London concerning the state of the
Church in His Majesty's Plantations:—Ordered that the Lords of
Trade and Plantations signify His Majesty's pleasure unto His
respective Governors in America, that every Minister within their
government be one of the Vestry in his respective parish, and that
no vestry be held without him except in case of sickness, or that
after notice of a vestry summoned he absent himself. [Col. Entry
Bk., No. XCVII., p. 75, and Col. Papers, Vol XLIV., No. 6a.] |
Jan. 14.
Whitehall. |
1265. Order of the King in Council on Report of the Lords of
Trade and Plantations. The despatches from Jamaica still show
affairs therein to be in an unsettled state, but as the Assembly was
to meet on the 28th October and consider the King's order of 28th
May, the Lords defer all advice until they receive information of
the Assembly's proceedings which are daily expected. Meanwhile
they recommend that instructions be sent to Lord Carlisle by Sir
Frances Watson, who is returning to Jamaica, to make no order
whatsoever for raising public Revenue, except in case of rebellion
and invasion only, otherwise than by the Act transmitted by His
Majesty under the Great Seal, until the King's pleasure be further
known. On all other points the orders of 28th May to be duly
pursued. Signed, Anglesey, J. Bridgewater, Worcester, Fauconberg,
Henry Coventry. Ordered, That Mr. Secretary Coventry do signify
His Majesty's pleasure to Lord Carlisle pursuant to above Report.
1½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX., p. 342.] |
| Jan. 15. |
1266. Sir Robert Southwell to [William Blathwayt]. In reply
to the question of the Lords of Trade and Plantations respecting
the inquiries sent over by Sir Thomas Warner to Barbadoes.
About the month of March 1676 Sir Thomas Warner, Barrister of
the Temple, came and told me that he had a purpose to go to
Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, and return as soon as he had
despatched his business, and desired to know if he could be of
service to me. I cannot well recollect whether I informed their
Lordships, but I am sure that I acquainted Sir Joseph Williamson,
then Secretary of State (who you know was not very attentive to
the business of the Plantations), and represented to him that
this gentleman, being the son of Sir Thomas Warner, who discovered those parts, seemed to' speak very knowingly about them.
Mr. Secretary bade me not omit that or any like occasion to
engage such a man with correspondence, for that variety of information was valuable. Accordingly, in compliance with his request,
I gave him some general queries for the better guidance of his
observation on the 11th April, as will appear by the draft of my
letter, which was copied by one of the clerks in the office. Con
sidering how anxious their Lordships were for information, and
how little was forthcoming, I thought that I did the King a service.
I drew several queries, by Secretary Coventry's command, for
Mr. Randolph, who was sent to New England, and his answers
were valuable; but I have heard nothing from Sir Thomas Warner
since he went, which I imputed to his caution for fear of offending
Sir Jonathan Atkins, which it seems his inquiries did. Signed.
1½ p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 7.] |
| Jan. 15. |
1267. Memorandum of Lords of Trade and Plantations. Sir
Leoline Jenkins was this day added to the Committee. [Col.
Entry Bk., Vol. CVI., p. 122.] |
| Jan. 16. |
1268. Order of the King in Council. On petition of
Bartholomew Price, Administrator to Lieutenant-Governor Herbert
Jeffreys, 300l. to be forthwith paid to said Price, he having given
security to the Clerk of the Council for repayment of the same
according to His Majesty's directions upon any future determination.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXXX. pp. 399–400.] |
Jan. 16.
Whitehall. |
1269. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Lord
Carlisle. We have received your letters of 10th, 13th July, 13th
August, and 15th, 17th, 24th September, and are sorry to learn
from them the jealousy of the Assembly towards the new
Government. We hope that by their meeting in October they
may have more seriously reflected on their own interest and their
duty to the King. We were not a little surprised to find the term of
the Revenue Bill reduced to six months though "for His Majesty,
his heirs and successors," the preamble settled by the Council here
omitted, and other irregularities. As the Bill bears no marks of
their benevolence it cannot deserve the Royal thanks. It is a
matter of wonder, too, that the clause exempting Jamaica ships
from all impositions should be retained therein, though omitted in
the Act transmitted by the King, after much deliberation, and
upon the advice of the Commissioners of Customs that no such
distinctions should be drawn, but that either the shipping of
England should be exempted, or the Jamaica shipping should be
liable to the same payments. Nor again can we understand the
imposition on French wines for six months when the importation
thereof is inconsistent with existing Acts of Parliament. We have
also considered the vote of the Assembly touching the rise, disposal,
and manner of accounting for the revenue, but we can take no
decision as to these exorbitant measures until we hear of the
Assembly's action on the King's orders of 28th May, and can
therefore convey to you by Sir Francis Watson no instructions
except the following (see ante, No. 1260). As to the supply
of powder and ammunition for which you ask, we have consulted
your letters and the Commissioners of Ordnance thereupon, but
finding that you have not given us the information as to the
present state of the forts required by your instructions, we could
not recommend further expense therein without fuller assurance of
its necessity, especially since the return of Count d'Estrées's fleet to
Europe. As to the request for fifty recruits to be sent to you we
have read a report from the Deputy Commissary of Musters
concerning the state of the two foot companies, by which it appears
that no muster rolls from them have reached him since 1st January
last, at which time, as well as at the two previous musters, the
companies were complete. We therefore see no sufficient reason to
send over more men. We have considered your representations of
the great abuses and affronts that the Spaniards have put upon his
subjects. We are laying the same before His Majesty for speedy
satisfaction and redress, demanding not only that the logwood and
cacao seized at sea may be restored, but that all English ships may
for the future be permitted to pass without molestation with their
lading of these commodities. We have long been sensible of your
difficulties, both in relation to the subsistence of the two foot companies and the arrears of the Government, and have recommended
the whole state thereof to the Commissioners of the Treasury. But we
have not yet received any reply to the enquiries recommended by
us nor any attention to the directions for correspondence between
us that are prescribed by your instructions, and we cannot think
that either your difficulties or your apprehension of coming dangers
have been so great as to excuse you, nor have we required anything
of you that is unfit to be known by us. We cannot think the
length of time and expense of surveys sufficient reasons to hinder
your compliance, and if, as you say, there are parishes without
ministers and without registers, we are none the less anxious to
receive account of them, that these defects may be the sooner
supplied. We therefore not only refer you once more to our letter
of 3rd May, but have ordered the heads of information as to the
state of Jamaica in the Plantation Office and others of the same
kind, to be extracted and sent to you for your better guidance in
supplying us with the freshest estimates, accounts, and information.
And we also desire the list of the general musters throughout the
Island to be transmitted to us as they were by Sir Thomas
Modyford. Such information is so essential to His Majesty's
service that the King has ordered each Governor with his Council
to keep a journal of all important matters, and to send it to us
quarterly. A particular letter will give you fuller instructions.
The Secretaries of the Colonies have also been ordered to send us
such of the papers that pass through his hands as ought to come
under their notice; and the Clerks of Assembly have likewise
orders to furnish us with a journal of their proceedings. The
Governors, however, are not hereby excused from corresponding
with us as before ordered and furnishing full information. Moreover, occasion having risen over the appointment of a clerk of
fairs and markets and a clerk of the peace in Jamaica, the King
has ordered a thorough inspection of all offices in the Colonies, that
he may be able to distinguish which should be filled by the
Governor and which by himself. You will therefore furnish us
with full particulars of all public offices and places of trust in your
Government, stating by what authority, for what term and for
what estate they are held, and whether it be expedient that the King
or the Governor should fill it. We are further to inform you that
no office in your Government may be disposed of for gain, but
solely with reference to the qualification of the officer. We also
expect from you full particulars of the quit-rents of Jamaica, how
much of the land is patented, manured, or uncultivated, the price of
lots, names of purchasers, &c. Lastly, we are to direct you, seeing
that it is your special duty to take care of the Church, to order
forthwith that every minister be one of the vestry of his parish;
that no vestry, unless in case of his sickness, be held without him,
and that no minister after vestry summoned shall absent himself.
Signed, Anglesey, Sunderland, H. London, Worcester, J. Bridgewater, L. Hyde, Winchester, Essex, H. Coventry. 9 pp. [Col.
Entry Bk. Vol. XXIX., pp. 344–353.] |
| Jan. 16. |
1270. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir Jonathan
Atkins. By your letter of 16th October last we learn the receipt
of ours of 24th July, with another from His Majesty, the matter
whereof, except in relation to the 4½ per cent. duty, you take no
notice of. Nor do you mention the occasion of the delay to our
packet, by naming the ship or otherwise, that we might be able to
prevent the like inconvenience in the future. You have now
a sufficient testimony by that formidable Act (as you think fit
to call it) of the mischief that attends your concealing from us what
we have continually demanded, and we could well wish that the
confession of your error would produce a further amendment; but
we have the less reason to hope for it since you continue to tell us
that you know of no other Acts that are withheld except they be
temporary Acts, made only for three or six months, while you
cannot but remember our former letters wherein we most earnestly
desired of you the transmission of all laws of what kind and
duration soever, and that our last letter of 25th July not only shows
the inconvenience of such temporary laws, but also provides against
them, which might have obliged you to have sent us copies of them
also. Besides we affirm to you that we have received none of later
date than 2nd October 1678, though we are well informed that divers
Assemblies have met and laws passed since that time. Indeed, it is
not a little strange that, though you say you could give reasons for
your action if you were nearer, yet at this distance you can give
none at all. Again you tell us that it was not the practice to affix
the seal to laws transmitted to England, though we gave you an
instance in our last letter. Why the sealing should occasion the
re-writing of the laws passes our comprehension, for it is easy to
affix a seal by a ribbon or otherwise to any number of laws without
writing them over again, as was done in the Act instanced above.
You then renew your complaint about the queries given to
Sir Thomas Warner, which you endeavour to object to as a great
fault on our parts, but we will content ourselves to let you know
that the matter is not truly represented by you, since neither were
the same inquiries addressed to you, nor required particularly for
Barbadoes. Your assurance that during your term of government
the King's honour has been upheld, the Church, the Magistracy, the
course of Judicature well cared for, the claimers of debts stopped,
the Island well fortified, and the Militia in good order, depends
only on your own word, which has already disappointed us, and
leaves us only occasion to desire from you a proof in writing of
this happy state of things in answers to the several heads of
inquiry. While you are Governor we shall always consider you
as such, and we shall be able, when you comply with our demands,
to distinguish the statements of merchants from the more solid
information which we have constantly required of you in vain
You have also omitted to acquaint us with the reason of the
Assembly's meeting and the names of the members, according to
the orders given to you; but, to put an end to the style of controversy which you so studiously affect, we assure you that, unless
henceforth we find in you a punctual compliance with our desires,
we shall deem future correspondence with you impracticable, and
shall be obliged to advise the King to appoint another Governor.
Meanwhile we have to inform you that the King has given orders
to the Governors, jointly with their Councils, to send home every
quarter a journal of important occurrences, to the Clerks of
Assembly to send their journals likewise, and to the Secretaries
also to report as to the proceedings that come under their hands.
The King has also required of us, in view of certain abuses, to
hold an inspection of the various offices in your Colony to decide
which shall be appointed by the Governor and which by himself,
on which matter you will report. You will also take care that, in
the interests of the Church, every minister shall henceforth be a
member of his parish-vestry, and that, except in case of his sickness,
no meeting of the vestry shall be held without him. Signed,
Anglesey, Bath, Bridgwater, Essex, H. London, H. Powle, Sunderland, Winchester, Worcester. 7½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. VI.,
pp. 305–313.] |
| [Jan. 16] |
1271. Petition of John Culpeper to the King in Council. That
upon a complaint of Thomas Miller, and by order of the King in
Council, he has been in custody of a messenger upwards of 20 days.
Prays for his discharge, or that Miller may give security for the
payment of the petitioner's charges if proved innocent. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIV., No. 8.] |
| [Jan. ?] |
1272. Extract out of the Books of Jamaica, in the Plantation
Office, of heads answered by Sir Thomas Modyford. A form for
making Returns of Military force, Ordnance, Shipping, Revenue,
Expenditure, and Land alienated. Draft, with corrections in the
Secretary's hand, whereof a copy was probably that enclosed to
Lord Carlisle in letter of 16th January (ante, No. 1269). 3½ pp.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 9.] |
Jan. 17.
Whitehall. |
1273. William Blathwayt to Mr. Guy. Transmitting an Act
passed in Barbadoes for repeal of the 4½ per cent. duty, for the
opinion of the Commissioners of the Treasury. Copy. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIV., No. 10.] |
| [Jan. 19.] |
1274. Petition of Thomas Miller to the Commissioners of the
Treasury. Petitioner was appointed Collector of Customs in
Albemarle County, Carolina, in 1677, and arrived there in July
1677, but in December following was seized, robbed of all his
books and papers, and put in irons by the rebels under John
Culpeper and Zachary Gilham. Subsequently he made his escape
and arrived in England in December 1679, where he now is in
great poverty. Prays that Culpeper and Gilham may be examined
by the Council, petitioner having counsel assigned to him to
prosecute, and that he and his deputy may have an allowance for
their relief. 1 p. Endorsed, With a minute referring the petitioner
to the Commissioners of Customs. Signed, Hen. Guy, dated 19th
January 1659. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 11.] |
| Jan. 20. |
1275. Minutes of Council of Barbadoes. The Assembly being
come Mr. Speaker represented a grievance to the town and port of
St. Michael's, by the bringing in of ships upon the bar, laying them
aground and then breaking them up, by means whereof the harbour
is spoiled. |
| Jan. 21. |
Henry Walrond, John Witham, Richard Howell, and Edwyn
Stede appointed a Committee to inspect the rules of the High
Court of Chancery, and the fees of the officers, and to report and
recommend to the Council thereon with all convenient speed.
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XI., pp. 305 and 311.] |
| Jan. 20. |
1276. Journal of Assembly of Barbadoes. Debate on the
Governor's proposed amendment on the Act about distresses for
damage feasant. Reasons for disagreeing with the same. Petition
of the gunners and matrosses for their salaries. The Governor
asking from what fund they shall be paid, the Assembly answers
that, failing the 4½ per cent. duty, a special levy be made for the
purpose. |
| Jan. 21. |
Debate on the means of raising the above money. Ordered, that
it be by levy of 2 lbs. of sugar per acre; the town to pay in
proportion, that the Leeward fortifications may be finished. Act to
this purport passed. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XIII., pp. 372–375.] |
Jan. 21.
Whitehall. Plantations General. |
1277. Order of the King in Council. On report of the Lords of
Trade and Plantations that the Somers Islands Company resolve to
submit to the determination of the law all differences respecting
the said Company. Ordered, That Sir Creswell Levins, AttorneyGeneral, bring a quo warranto or scire facias against the
Company's charter pursuant to Order in Council of 12th November
1679. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XVII., pp. 83–84.] |
| Jan. 22. |
1278. Commissioners of Customs to Commissioners of Treasury.
Report on petition of Thomas Miller [ante, No. 1274] recommending that it be granted. 2 pp. Annexed, |
|
1278. i. Sworn statement. Account of the sums held in money
and bonds by Thomas Miller at the time of his imprisonment by Culpeper. 1½ pp. 21st January 1679–80. |
|
1278. ii. Presentment of the Commissioners of Customs concerning the proceedings of John Culpeper in robbing
Thomas Miller of the sums specified in preceding paper.
Copy. 1 p. [Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., Nos. 12, 12 I., II.] |
Jan. 23.
Whitehall. |
1279. Lords of Trade and Plantations to Governor Sir William
Stapleton. Your letters of 15th March, 1st and 18th June, 15th July,
and 6th October received. We have submitted your plan for a fort
at Nevis to the King, and advised him to give orders not only for the
erection of one good fort in each Island, but also to contribute to
the cost of the same out of the 4½ per cent. duty. We thought
this the more necessary since the French King has refused to
ratify the Treaty of Neutrality concluded by you. The King has
accordingly ordered 1,500l. to be paid to you out of the 4½ per cent.
duty. We also laid before the King your request for a frigate in
time of peace and a squadron in time of war, but the King having
ordered the Deptford ketch to attend you, no further directions
can be given. We have received the King's orders to express to
you his good liking of your proceedings to vindicate his Honour
against the insolent behaviour of the French ship commanded by
the Count de Sourdis. You are to assert his Honour with the
same vigour in future. As to the seizure and confiscation of
English sugars by the French, without reference to the National
Commissioners, the King has ordered application to be made at the
Court of France, and to the French ambassador here, for satisfaction and for immunity from such outrage in future. We notice
however that, by the sentence of the French Judge, the seizure
was made upon pretence that the goods had been brought in a
Dutch ship from St. Eustatius to St. Christopher's. We therefore
think it necessary for you to certify us whether any such foreign
ship has so traded, and to prevent such irregularities in future. Your
last letter of 6th October informs us of the seizure and confiscation
of the ship William and Edward. The King has ordered application to be made to the French Court for satisfaction, and
meanwhile you will take no forcible measures of reprisal. The
King has ordered that each Governor with his Council shall keep
a journal of occurrences, and transmit the same quarterly; also that
the Secretary and Clerk of Assembly furnish us with reports
likewise. Hitherto you have given us very satisfactory accounts,
and we look for continuance thereof. The King has also ordered
an inspection of all public offices in the Colonies to distinguish
which should be granted by the King and which by the Governor.
You will report to us fully on the subject, and dispose of no place
for gain but with regard to merit only. You will also see that
every minister is a member of his parish vestry, and that no vestry
be held without him. We must bear testimony to Mr. Joseph
Crispe's diligence and care in endeavouring to obtain the ratification
of the Treaty of Neutrality. Signed, Anglesey, Albemarle, Bath,
J. Bridgewater, Essex, L. Hyde, Sunderland. 6 pp. [Col. Entry Bk.,
Vol. XLVI., pp. 398–404.] |
Jan. 23.
Surinamburgh. |
1280. Heinsius, Dutch Governor of Surinam, to Governor Sir
William Stapleton. Further respecting the departure of the
English from Surinam, with particular reference to the case of
Mr. Thomas Duncombe (see following abstract). ½ p. Dutch.
[Col. Papers, Vol. XLIV., No. 13.] |
| (Jan. 23.) |
1281. Thomas Duncombe to [Governor Sir William Stapleton].
The arrival of the Deptford ketch brought us the good news of
your care for us, and for the King's subjects in Surinam. Captain
Aire, of the Deptford, and myself used all our diligence with the
Dutch Governor and Council here to induce him to let the English
go on paying their just debts, but they answered that, by a clause
in the 5th Article of the last Treaty between the two nations,
letters must first be received both from the States and from the
King of England. Now that you have begun the good work I
hope that you will procure a pass for us from the King. On
second thoughts the Dutch Governor has permitted my wife to
go with Captain Aire, and also fifty slaves, we being quite ruined
in our plantation, and destitute of provisions for our slaves. I
enclose a list of the King's subjects here, and on behalf of them all
I thank you for your great care of us. Signed. 1 p. |
|
On the back of the foregoing a further letter from Francis
Bruninge to Sir William Stapleton. My humble and hearty thanks
for your special care of me and your favour to my brother, John
Bruninge. I have tried my utmost to leave Surinam in the ketch,
but cannot prevail. I beg you to apprise the King of our condition
if our liberty cannot be procured otherwise. ½ p. In Duncombe's
handwriting but signed, Francis Bruninge. Annexed, |
| Jan. 23. |
1281 i. "A list of the King's subjects now in Surinam, with the
number of their slaves." Thirty-nine names, all of men.
with the number of slaves belonging to each. 212 slaves
in all. Endorsed, Recd. 26 April 1680. [Col. Papers,
Vol. XLIV., No. 14, and 14 1.] |
Jan. 28.
Whitehall. |
1282. Order of the King in Council on a Report from the Lords
of Trade and Plantations respecting the outrages committed on
the English by the Spaniards, as reported in Lord Carlisle's letter
of 15th September. Ordered, That representation be made to the
Spanish ambassador here, and directions sent to the British envoy
in Spain to demand satisfaction for these injuries, which are not
only contrary to the rules of common friendship, but also to
express articles of treaty. 2½ pp. [Col. Entry Bk., Vol. XXIX.,
pp. 360–362.] |
Jan. 28.
Whitehall. |
1283. Order of the King in Council. Referring the petition of
John Ward to the Lords of Trade and Plantations; the petition
being an appeal from the sentence given by the New York Assize
Court in favour of the widow of John Winder, now married to
John Palmer, whom he had sued for a debt of her former husband's,
[Col. Entry Bk., Vol. LXVIII., pp. 45, 46.] |
